Floating in a World of Your Own

At The Oasis, your experience is up to you. You decide whether you want the lid open, closed, or partially open, so you control how much light and sensory distraction you experience. (Photo courtesy Halsa)

There’s an unusual oasis opening in Glen Allen.

It’s a spa with a twist: the business features two large tanks, each filled with body-temperature water and Epsom salt. You put in ear plugs, close the lid, and you close off the world for 90 minutes.

“You are totally cut off from everything except you,” says George Robinson, who is opening the business with his wife, Kimberly (its owner).

The experience leaves you relaxed, refreshed and inspired, he said in a telephone interview.

The Oasis is located in a 1,000-square-foot space at 2226 Old Brick Road in West Broad Village. It was set to open in late October.

Here’s what to expect: You make a reservation to use a tank. (Each 90-minute session costs about $75)

You take a shower upon arrival, then you’re ready for your session.

A tank holds about 200 gallons of water, which is made intensely saline with the addition of 800 pounds of Epsom salt. “You can’t not float,” George Robinson says.

Your experience is up to you. You decide whether you want the lid open, closed, or partially open, so you control how much light and sensory distraction you experience.

The full experience has been described as being like The Who’s character Tommy: You float in darkness, with no exterior sound (and earplugs in to keep out the water). The water is as warm as you are, so your sense of touch is minimized.

You just lie down and float; it’s only you alone with you.

Kimberly Robinson is a veterinarian, and George Robinson’s career includes owning a used car business and working in real estate investments. Robinson says he’s researched the tanks, but to date has been unable to find the time to use one. He says the nearest are in Charlottesville.